Newsletter: Tuesday, May 23, 2023

MCOE’s Field Day was filled with delighted faces and joyful celebrations.

Every year, students from throughout Monterey County in the Special Education Program at their respective school districts gather together for a fun day of events and activities. This year, MCOE's Field Day took place on Friday, May 5 at the Rabobank Stadium in Salinas. Participants were cheered on by their teachers and parents. Carmel High School seniors lead the field day stations, which included ball toss, noodle jousting, basketball, soccer, ring toss, sprinting, and more! At the end of the games, all student attendees were awarded a certificate and a medal for their participation.

Historical tidbit: Retired P.E. Teacher and Coach Craig Johnston from Carmel High School and his wife, Patty, an Adaptive P.E., and Special Education Teacher at MCOE, helped create the Special Education Field Day.

Featured from left to right: Admin. Asst. Julia Delatorre; Professional Development & Compliance Coach Anabel Denis; County Board Member Heather Owen; County Board Member Annette Yee Steck; Senior Director of Special Education Alicia Granberg; Assistant Superintendent of Special Education Terri Dye; Educational Administrator Beth Arabia; Adapted Physical Education Teacher Jamie Hites; Resource Specialist Amber Albertoni; Adapted Physical Education Teacher Kyle Dunning

More than 150 Monterey County migrant parents attended the 2023 Regional Migrant Parent Conference held Saturday, May 6 at Gonzales High School. As parents navigated through the Parent Conference, they were introduced to the theme: “Migrant Education is Communication, Collaboration, and a World of Fun!” The day’s events included activities, presentations, workshops, and a community resource fair and featured renowned author Reyna Grande as the keynote speaker.

Parent involvement and empowerment is a critical component of Migrant Education Programs statewide and this conference was an amazing opportunity for migrant parents to learn ways in which they can play an active role in their child’s education. Studies have shown that students are more successful in school when their parents take an active role in their education, and when parents and schools work together, the sky’s the limit.

MCOE’s Migrant Education Department has a goal of providing services to help build parents' capacity to support their student’s success. Migrant program leaders offer a series of parent engagement opportunities throughout the year that focus on helping parents better understand and navigate the U.S. school system, gain familiarity with student achievement opportunities, and access available community resources.  

COUNTY BOARD PRESENTS MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH RESOLUTION TO MONTEREY COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT

At the May 17 Monterey County Board of Education meeting, board members presented Deputy Director of Behavioral Health Dr. Marni Sandoval with the Mental Health Awareness Month resolution to highlight the importance of mental health and the impact it has on the well-being and academic achievement of students. To find a copy of the resolution, visit the montereycoe.org website.

Hilary Levine, an Educator of 28 years with a Masters's Degree in Holocaust and Genocide Studies, and Tosha Tillotson, a Holocaust Educator since 1999, Co-Founders of Avenues for Change, led this professional development opportunity on Saturday, May 7, for Monterey County educators.

Teaching the Holocaust is mandatory in the State of California. MCOE hosted this training for all history, social studies, and English language arts (ELA) teachers. The training covered topics of historical forms of antisemitism and contemporary antisemitism. "I'm proud to bring this discussion and learning to MCOE educators," said Tillotson. Attendees were offered a lesson plan that would cover the topic in three parts: Starting with a Historical Overview of Antisemitism, Antisemitism and the Holocaust, and ending with Antisemitism Today.

The lesson plan begins with factors leading to the Holocaust and the long history of antisemitism in Germany, Europe, and the world, and later navigates the dangers of prejudice and hate speech and ways in which educators can assess students' knowledge.

On Wednesday, May 3, County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Deneen Guss and County Board Member Annette Yee Steck toured four schools in South Monterey County as part of a series of school site visits. The tour began at Mission Union School in Soledad, where they observed a student in an Online Speech Therapy class and visited a kindergarten classroom filled with young minds who were busy practicing their ABCs. The next destination was King City, where they toured Del Rey Elementary School and Chalone Peaks Middle School. They were greeted by Superintendent Jennifer Taylor for a campus, classroom, and cafeteria tour. The final site was at Bradley Elementary School, where Superintendent/Principal Lindsay Lopez led Dr. Guss and Ms. Yee Steck through the school and into two in-session classrooms where science projects and presentations were in the works.

"It's important to really know each school community and uncover ways in which the Monterey County Office of Education can provide support and services to school districts,” said Dr. Guss. She feels that site visits are important for her to be able to find ways to collaborate and help provide resources that will support student success and enhance overall school operations.

Dr. Guss shares how she loves visiting schools and seeing teachers and students at work, which reminds her of why she became an educator and also re-instills that passion in her. Dr. Guss will continue site visits once the new school year begins.

Each month, MCOE recognizes employees for their outstanding dedication, work ethic, and accomplishments. This month MCOE recognized Cindy Dunn and Nathan Sausedo.

As Executive Assistant to the County Superintendent, Cindy Dunn is a vital team member in the Superintendent's Office, providing a wide variety of confidential administrative and office support. She works with a high level of professionalism and is always one step ahead in preparing for board meetings, managing the Superintendent's calendar, and serving as a liaison to all levels of staff. Over the past several months, Cindy has worked on creating a new board member governance handbook, which is something the office has needed for quite some time. Cindy rolled up her sleeves and spent several months putting it together, just in time for MCOE's four newly elected board members. Being Dr. Guss' right-hand person is a complex job, and Cindy does it with ease and a smile, working as long as it takes to complete the various demands of the job. She should be commended for handling a difficult job with poise. Cindy is admired in the office for her high drive and great work ethic.

As a Maintenance Custodian, Nathan Sausedo is a fantastic employee who is a major asset to the Arthur B. Ingham School. He fully deserves to receive this award as he continuously demonstrates exemplary job performance. Nathan is passionate about maintaining and operating the school building to ensure a clean, safe, and healthy learning and working environment. He is a very dedicated employee who is known for going the extra mile. Nathan makes a significant impact on the readiness of this school site on a daily basis. He makes sure all the classrooms are well stocked with the essentials that staff need for their everyday tasks. He is very attentive, knowledgeable, and capable when it comes to maintenance methods, tools, and equipment. He routinely checks the grounds and the facilities to make sure everything is in good running condition. Nathan's attention to detail makes classrooms, offices, hallways, and grounds safe, clean, and inviting to our students, teachers, and staff. He is a valuable team member whose role is essential to the success of campus operations.

The Village Project held a 15th Anniversary Open House on Friday, May 12, to celebrate their efforts in making Monterey County a better place to live. The Village Project provides vulnerable children, youth, and family members with culturally appropriate mental health services, educational support, and social advocacy so that they can become self-sufficient, self-directed, and self-determining members of the community. The Village Project is a priceless resource for our community, and MCOE is thankful for their efforts to enhance educational opportunities for youth and build a stronger community. County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Deneen Guss presented The Village Project leaders with a resolution commending the organization for helping youth to strengthen their academic proficiencies and guiding them to an improved way of life. 

Salinas Union High School District invited county officials and educators to attend an official Workforce Housing Program Ribbon Cutting Ceremony held at the Alameda Luxury Apartments complex on Wednesday, May 10, 2023.

School districts in the most expensive regions of California, including Monterey County, are struggling to pay salaries that keep pace with the high cost of living.

Committed to uncovering ways to attract and retain school employees, Salinas Union High School District commenced an effort to exercise the Teacher Housing Act of 2016, which allows school districts to provide affordable housing specifically for district employees and their families. These efforts were made to provide housing incentives to attract and retain teachers and school employees.

Upon culminating several months of planning, collaborating, and negotiating, the Salinas Union High School District’s vision of offering housing at below-market rates to support the housing needs of school employees has come to fruition with the opening of the Alameda Luxury Apartments on Abbott Street in Salinas.

Salinas Union High School District is proud to announce the availability of 50 apartment units that will support the recruitment and retention of its employees.

On Friday, May 5, the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Region 10 recognized 23 administrators in 23 categories from the counties of Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz at the Embassy Suites in Seaside. This year's theme was "Shoot for the Stars," highlighting a goal that award winners have strived for in their roles and for their students. The keynote speaker was Dr. Rebeca Burciaga from the Institute for Emancipatory Education at San Jose State University.

One of ACSA's priorities is to ensure that school leaders are recognized for their excellence. Through their annual awards program, they honor students, administrators, and community organizations for their achievements and their dedication to public education at both the regional and state levels.

MCOE's Senior Director of Human Resources Cindy Altemeyer won the Keith Parkhurst Award. The Keith Parkhurst Award honors those who inspire the mentor/mentee relationship. In Monterey County, Cindy Altemeyer is seen as a resource that other Human Resources leaders look up to for guidance during difficult situations. Her work ethic is extraordinary and resembles that of Keith Parkhurst. Over the years, Cindy has demonstrated her commitment to improving the education profession by advocating for all students and providing guidance and opportunities for those whom she leads. She is also active in organizing relevant professional development opportunities in the county for administrators, peers, and colleagues. One of her colleagues stated that when he first came into the HR profession, it was because of Cindy’s encouragement and support during his first year that he is now a successful HR leader. Cindy embodies the heart (HR) of supporting individuals around her.

MCOE CONGRATULATES VINCE HERNANDEZ ON 35 YEARS OF SERVICE

Featured from left to right: Custodian, Fidel Murillo; Maintenance/Custodian, Martin Soria; Tradesman I, Vince Hernandez; Custodian, Ruben Perez; Maintenance/Custodian, Ruben Cuna; Senior Director, Maintenance, Operations, & Transportation, Darren Fort

Vince Hernandez’s 35 years of service is a true testament to his dedication to MCOE. He is a valuable member of the diverse and hardworking General Services Department, where he displays teamwork and provides highly-skilled services and solutions each and every day. Vince has developed exceptional skills over the years, and his institutional knowledge and work ethics continue to inspire others. Hard work, loyalty, and diligence are just a few words that describe Vince.  This 35-year commitment is a time to celebrate Vince for his exceptional delivery of facility services and all of his efforts to keep MCOE an efficient, safe, and inviting environment for all.

MCOE CONGRATULATES JARRETT GARIFE ON HIS 5 YEARS OF SERVICE

Featured from left to right: Transportation Manager Jarrett Garife and Deputy Superintendent Brett W. McFadden

Jarrett Garife began his career in transportation at the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District as a full-time Dispatcher. In 2017, Jarrett was hired as Assistant Manager of the Transportation Department at MCOE and is now serving as Transportation Manager. Jarrett recently became certified by the state as a school bus instructor, where he teaches behind-the-wheel courses and various bus and safety training classes. He is also a certified first-aid instructor. Jarrett received his Master's Degree in Public Administration in 2020 and is currently working on his dissertation for a Ph.D. in Education Law. MCOE is proud to have Jarrett serving as an inspirational leader at MCOE.

Read about District News and Engagement

THE BIRTH OF THE KING CITY LITTLE LEAGUE CHALLENGERS

In the Spring of 2022, a parent approached the King City Little League with the idea of implementing an adaptive baseball team for her son. The league had some questions that needed to be answered, and once the paperwork and sponsorships were figured out, the Challengers baseball team was born! In 2022 they had 13 exceptional children participating from Gabilan, Santa Lucia, Del Rey, and Rose Ferrero Elementary Schools, and Chalone Peaks Middle School. This year’s 2023 league had many familiar faces come out again, eager to participate in a sport that teaches life lessons and helps to build a strong community. To learn more about the King City Challengers team, contact the League President at 831-809-7727. The Challengers do not play a traditional baseball game, as they do not keep score, but they do have a great time running bases and hitting the ball on that field with friends. This is all made possible by many fabulous volunteer coaches and parents!  

Chalone Peaks Middle School in the King City Union School District took part in the annual Civil War Re-enactment, which featured a march to San Lorenzo Park from the King City Cemetery, battles with cannons, and classroom activities. At this year's event, middle school students took part in reenactments of companies of soldiers that met on the battlefield. Participants arrived at the park, set up camps, formed regents, and drilled on the battlefield. The events began with a reenactment of the First Bull Run or Manassas, which was the first major land battle of the armies in Virginia in 1861. The untried Union army under Brig. Gen. Irvin McDowell marched from Washington against the Confederate army, which was drawn up behind Bull Run. This battle convinced the Lincoln administration that the war would be a long and costly affair. In the afternoon, students took part in the reenactment of Pickett's Charge, which was led by Gen. Robert E. Lee against Maj. Gen. George G. Meade's Army of the Potomac at Gettysburg on the morning of July 3, 1863. 

The event ended with a recitement of President Lincoln's Gettysburg Address. 

Overall, this event provides students with an opportunity to learn about American history and pay respect to the sacrifices made during the Civil War. The event continues to grow each year and suggestions for enhancements are always welcome by contacting Milt Hambly at 385-4400.

Read about Community News and Engagement

Youth Orchestra Salinas (YOSAL), the renowned musical organization dedicated to nurturing young talent, announces its highly anticipated Spring Concert that will take place on Thursday, June 1, at 7:30 PM at Sherwood Hall in Salinas. 

This year's concert features an impressive program designed to inspire and delight audiences of all ages. The orchestra will perform classical favorites such as Ode to Joy and Triumphal March from Aida. Additional highlights include a more contemporary repertoire with Star Wars theme music and Latin music, including Guantanamera, la Bamba, and the YOSAL Mariachi Banda interpreting Los Laureles by Gilberto Parra. 

The Spring Concert provides an incredible opportunity for the young musicians of (YOSAL) to showcase their hard work and talent. The orchestra comprises students from various schools in the Salinas area who have demonstrated exceptional dedication.  

Tickets for the YOSAL Spring Concert are free, and reservations are required at www.yosal.org.

POINT LOBOS OUTDOOR ADVENTURE DAY CAMP

Point Lobos Summer Adventures is now enrolling for an outdoor day camp based at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve. The Point Lobos Summer Adventures program is an outdoor day camp for kids and teenagers. The goal of the program is to expose the next generation to the joys of exploring and recreating in our parks. The program is based at Point Lobos but includes visits to numerous local parks and outdoor recreational experiences.

The three upcoming camp sessions are:

June 20 - June 30 (ages 8-12)

July 10 - July 21 (ages 8-12)

July 24 - July 28 (ages 12-15)

2023 Summer Camp Adventures registration will close on Friday, May 26 at 5 p.m.

To be included in future e-newsletters and on MCOE social media feeds, email a photo with a caption or full story to Teri Pimentel at tpimentel@montereycoe.org and Sarah Barnhart at sbarnhart@montereycoe.org